Panic strikes. You’re a nervous pin in a haystack of large, musty men, and other music lovers. Air is a necessity, treasured, yet rare. The booming speakers shake your eardrums and the oceaneus crowd pushes you, unwillingly, from side to side. You’re trying to enjoy being in the same venue as your favorite band, but you’re barely surviving amongst the avid concert goers, and you realize it might have been helpful to research a few pointers before testing the dangerous concert waters.

Maybe your first concert went along these lines, or maybe you’re a natural and the experience was exceptional. Either way, it’s always useful to read up on a few pointers for the next time you choose to explore the live music scene. So, no, I’m no expert, I’m just giving suggestions of things I had to learn through less then pleasant incidences. Take it or leave it, I don’t really care.

1) The most important tip is saturated with common sense: do not go alone. You will regret it. If you are planning on meeting someone there, make sure to meet before the concert. You will not enjoy being squished like an ant entering a parade. If you think you are large, or smart, enough to go alone, you’re simply wrong. Maybe some people can do it. Maybe they’re wizards. If you aren’t, just don’t do it. Try not to be in too large of groups though, it’s easier to focus on staying with one person, and you’re more likely to be split up if you try to drag a train of people through the crowd.

2) You aren’t having family fun time on the beach, and I don’t think your possible foot fungus is that bad (if it is, well…… I’m sorry) so do not wear loose, thin, or open toed shoes. These people have no regards for your “little piggies”, so don’t expose them. Wearing shoes that cover your feet, but can’t stay on won’t help either. I personally experienced some trauma during an A Day to Remember concert, which involved losing my shoe in a mosh pit. If your shoes have laces, tie them.

3) Get there early. There are many advantages to being one of the first to arrive. There’s a chance to pick up on offers (free stuff is a bonus to anything), get first dibs on merch, camp out in your spot, and possibly meet the band(s) performing. It’s not as if you have to sprint there days in advance and cone of your area, but it’s nice to be able to explore a little. This is especially important if you didn’t buy tickets beforehand and plan on getting them at the door. It’s usually first come, first serve, and you never know if there will be tickets left.

4) Hydrate yourself. You don’t want to have to leave that pit just because you weren’t smart enough to drink enough water beforehand. Not to mention, buying one minuscule cup of water at these concerts can cost up to 3 dollars. Maybe you’re okay with wasting that on something that’s free… I don’t suggest it. Sure, you might want to pee out the excess before you find your permanent place in the crowd, but it helps not to feel like fainting.

5) You do not need to make a fashion statement; there is no need for layers. Wear as few as possible. Even in the dead center of winter, I suggest good fitting jeans and a T-shirt. This rule is valuable for many reasons. If you purchase merchandise (merch) it is a lot easier to put it on that try to carry it around. If you have a profound sweat disorder, wearing fewer layers may help prevent your excess sweat from drenching others. Just a thought. It helps keep you cool, is less to keep track of, and helps turn you into a human clothing rack for your new merch.

6) Don’t waste your time going to concerts of bands you don’t know. It’s okay if you’re looking for a new experience, but I wouldn’t recommend it for your first few concerts. There’s nothing more awkward than everyone else jammin’ along to their favorite songs while you sit there like “I play solitaire…”

7) Stand your ground. Everyone wants to get to the front. Don’t fall for the bullshit stories about their friend being “right in front of you”. Make sure you have a firm stance and don’t get trampled. Move with the crowd, don’t be the deer that ends up smushed from the stampede. Most importantly PUSH BACK. (However, if you are punched, don’t punch them back. It might result in an unnecessary brawl).

8) Don’t act like you’ve never been to a concert before. They target the newbies. It might result in them conning you out of your spot. Or maybe even in death. Generally, try to get the feel for your surroundings early and blend in. As much as you may believe it’s so great to be “different” and that you are grandly unique, it is not always beneficial. Besides, depending on the concert, a lot of people think their super alternative ways are something special, so you’d probably fit in anyways.

Follow these suggestions and you might make it out alive. Share your own concert experiences or pictures with us. If you have any other questions or suggestions, don’t be afraid to ask.